Sunday Sentiment...

"My Own Little World" - Matthew West

     In Luke 10: 25-37 we read about "The Good Samaritan".  Now, this is a story about a man that was beaten and robbed while traveling, and left for dead.  As it happened, this was a major route between cities, and so there were surely other travelers that would assist this man.  True to expectation, along came a Priest, who when seeing this beaten man chose to pass him on the other side of the road.  Likewise, a Levite when he arrived on the scene, looked and then kept walking.  But the story goes on to say that a certain Samaritan , as he journeyed, came to where this man was and had compassion.  

     What would you have done?  What do we do?  How many times do we see the needs of others in our lives, and like the Priest and Levite, we choose to look the other way and continue on about our business?  As you consider these difficult questions, I DO NOT want you to feel condemnation or pride.  I DO hope that today, we can consider the difference we are making in "Our Own Little World" and Purpose to Be Aware, Have Compassion, Be a Solution, Make a Difference!!  

     In Luke, Jesus was speaking to a group, and sharing this story about The Good Samaritan in response to the question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life".  Upon completion, He asks the group in verses 36-37, "So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among thieves?"  "And he said, He who showed mercy on him!"  "Then Jesus said to them, Go and Do Likewise!" 

     This week, I will turn 40, and as I've been reflecting on my life, I felt led to start an "Initiative" inviting all of my friends and family to celebrate with me by Practicing one Act of Random Kindness each day for 40 days.  PARK Project was birthed with a vision to Inspire ALL who choose to participate to Be a Blessing by Being Others Minded as a way of life, rather than an event!

     I encourage you, and invite you to join me on this 40 day journey of Mercy and Grace beginning this Tuesday, 05/01/12!  Let us answer the call to Go and Do Likewise with boldness, passion and PURPOSE; and may you Be Blessed Abundantly as you do!!  :)

A Plentiful Harvest...

Then He said to His Disciples, 

"The Harvest truly is Plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest  to send out laborers into His harvest."

- Matthew 9:37-38 NKJV

     Wikipedia describes Harvest as follows:  "the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.  The harvest marks the end of the growing season, or growing cycle for a particular crop.  On smaller farms with minimal mechanization, harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season."

     Although I have yet to know the privilege of Agriculture Life, based on the last sentence of Wikipedia's definition, my imagination visualizes something similar to the photo above (courtesy of Google Images).  I read a lot of Historical Fiction which generally is based in an Agriculture Era; where the lifestyle was centered around seasons, and families intimately knew the process of labor-intensive sowing and reaping.  

Sowing - Courtesy of Google Images

     How does this process relate to our Information Age Lifestyle?  What does it mean to sow?  Let's be clear it has nothing to do with fabric and thread.  "Sowing is the process of planting seeds."  Does this only apply to corn, grain, herbs, etc.?  The bible is full of reverences to the process of sowing; and in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, we are reminded that "he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."  I wonder then, what am I sowing?  Last year, I wrote a blog titled, A New Season which left me with a renewed sense of purpose and accountability about this important season.  I was also reminded of the vital next step which is to wait.  It takes time for seeds to grow, amen?  This is where we learn to practice patience...yeah!  Have you ever picked a piece of fruit too soon?  In my experience, unripened fruit is usually inedible, sour, and upsetting to my stomach.  So it is with us, if we are sowing seeds of love, expecting to harvest love, and we grow impatient; not only will we destroy that which we've planted, but the harvest will be minimal and less than expected.  If, however, you practice patience, then it is right to expect a plentiful harvest!!

Reaping - Courtesy of Google Images

     I have been able to apply this principle of sowing and reaping to many areas of my life.  For example, we choose to tithe 10%, knowing that in Malachi 3:10 we are promised that as we do, "the Lord of hosts will open the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it."  Likewise, in my relationship with my Sweetheart, when I am feeling unnoticed, unappreciated, unloved, unworthy (etc.); if I focus on sowing seeds of love, appreciation, attention, and value into Him, I can expect a bountiful harvest.  This is one application I wish I had learned earlier in our 22 years of marriage.  I spent too much time sowing seeds of bitterness, judgement, and disrespect all the while complaining about the above listed feelings.  I am also very aware of this principal as it applies to my body.  If I choose to consume sugar-filled foods, french fries, and soda (just to name a few); I can expect to harvest weight, diabetes, and fatigue.  If, however, I choose to consume clean sources of protein, veggies, and water; I will harvest health and vitality.      

A Plentiful Harvest - Courtesy of Google Images

     So, now that we better understand the process of sowing and reaping, I am redirected to Matt: 9:37-38.  We have spent many years in ministry, both as volunteers and paid staff, however, it wasn't until Very recently that I began to meditate on this particular verse more fervently.  Likewise, we have spent many years growing in our walk with God, and gaining wisdom and understanding about His nature and His word. A few years ago, we applied for a full-time position as the directors of children's ministry at a newly opened satellite campus of our church.  During the application process, we were able to see how the Law of the Harvest applies to our talents and spiritual gifts as well.  Our Pastor, in his wisdom, noticed that although we were filled with passion and some experience, we still had more growing to do in order to really be used to our full potential.  He also reminded us that if we tried to harvest too soon, our fruit would be weak and probably end in overwhelm.  At the time, we felt ready to serve in this full-time capacity, and SO desired to meet the call for laborers...we believed that we were ready.  Thankfully, our Pastor's wise counsel gave us a moment to pause and continue growing.  There is a known saying, "You can't give what you don't have", which we can apply to this principal.  As the Lord raises us up for Harvest, we get to trust Him as the Master Gardener and wait for our due season.  So, although we were a bit disappointed, we moved forward in faith that God would accomplish in us that which He began; and we continued to feel called to full-time Pastoral Ministry.  As we proceeded in faith, we continued to seek knowledge, truth, wisdom, and understanding; and simultaneously, we gained valuable experience in many areas of ministry.  So it is then, when a position for Full-time Youth Pastors presented itself recently, we were able to prayerfully ask if we were ready to harvest.  With great favor, and anticipation, we are excited to enter into this new season!!  Our heart's desire is to not only hear the call to labor, but to respond with preparation and passion!  We know that building a Strong and Successful Youth Ministry requires continued sowing, and we also look forward with great anticipation to the joy of reaping!!  

     This year, we have MUCH to be Thankful for!!  I continue to be in gratitude for a loving and grace-filled Father in Heaven!  I am equally grateful for the loving sacrifice of a Savior that I might be in relationship with them!  I am grateful for the spiritual gifts and talents that have been instilled in me and the opportunities I have to continue to grow and develop them!  I am grateful for a loving husband that honors me in His relationship with our Father God!  I am grateful to be a Mother, and to be blessed with four Amazing, Gifted, and Healthy children!  I am grateful to be called and equipped to serve alongside my Sweetheart in this season of my life!  May we each be filled with renewed peace as we relish in whatever season we find ourselves in, and may we enjoy the journey as we faithfully expect the promise of A Plentiful Harvest!!

Happy Thanksgiving from my heart to yours!!

Live With A Thankful Heart

"And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts, and Be Thankful."

- Colossians 3:15 (Paraphrased by Nanette)

I LOVE this time of year!!  It is a season of harvest, celebration, and generally filled with joy.  As I enter a new season, I cherish the time to reflect and consider my "Heart Condition".  Recently, I have felt the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit challenging me to consider what it means to have a Thankful Heart, and how this leads to joy.  I have spent a large portion of my life relating to "Being Content" as a passive decision I had to make.  What I have noticed is that, as a result of this limited perspective, I have spent most of my life Enduring rather than Enjoying.  

This week, a fellow blogger, and new friend, Grace Full Mama wrote a post on Battling Discontent with Thankfulness.  This So touched my heart as a key to breaking through the cycle of Enduring!!  Joy (Grace Full Mama) records,  "The one thing I have learned is that it is extremely difficult to be discontent when I am actively thankful."  As I continue to ponder the nature of my Heavenly Father; believing that God is Good - ALL the time, and wants nothing less for us than to walk in Joy, Peace, Grace, and Love; I am left with only one emotion...Thankfulness!!  It is in this place of thankfulness that I find Peace, Joy, Grace, and Love!!

So it is with renewed Intention and Purpose that I boldly step in this new Season with a Thankful Heart!!  I invite you to join me in one of favorite traditions - GRATITUESDAY!!  Each Tuesday, I take time to post things I am grateful for on Facebook.  This is a fun way for me to pause and consider the little things that make big differences.  It is also a quick opportunity to align my Thankful Heart and recognize ALL that I have to be in gratitude of.  Many times I list things like Toilet Paper and Double Stuffed Vanilla Oreos, which then leads me to consider things like Healthy Kids with Happy Hearts and Quiet Moments with My Sweetheart.

It is my prayer and challenge that throughout this Season, we will choose to Live With A Thankful Heart!

A New Season...

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven"

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

I just LOVE this time of year...Summer turns into Autumn, the weather begins to cool, and cherished time outside becomes our daily goal!!  I am equally grateful for the reminder that Everything has a season and purpose!!  

Recently, our family began a new season as well!!  It is a time of reflecting and acknowledging the great things God has done in us and is doing through us!  As I study the Law of the Harvest, I am beginning to understand the connection between reaping and expectation.  A wise farmer knows that just planting a seed alone is not enough.  He must nurture the seed and then patiently expect it to grow after it's own kind - wheat seeds produce wheat, corn seeds produce corn; wheat seeds will never produce corn!  So it is with us, we plant seeds of love, forgiveness, favor, etc. and then we get to patiently expect them to grow and produce a bountiful harvest!!  Likewise, if we are sowing seeds of worry, discouragement, and fear we will only produce a bountiful harvest of yuck!  

There are many lessons we can apply from this reminder, however, the two major thoughts I'm pondering is:

1. What kind of seeds am I sowing?
2. Do I really expect a harvest?  

Once we get our hearts around the truth of the Law of the Harvest - that we Do reap what we sow; we can begin to be aware of what we're sowing, nurturing, and expecting to produce?  We can also become aware of our ability to walk in faithful expectation.  Part of the process is a season of waiting, knowing it takes time for something to grow and produce.  I wonder if in our "Fast Food Mentality" we've forgotten how to patiently wait for something?  Have we missed out on a harvest because we walked away discouraged that our expected result was not happening fast enough?

I know the pain of reaping a harvest of judgement, lack, and selfishness.  I also know the joy of reaping a harvest of love, forgiveness, and joy!!  I am grateful for the master gardener who lovingly nurtures me, faithfully expecting a bountiful harvest!!  Likewise I am grateful for a new perspective and opportunity to see our children through His eyes and trust that the seeds of Love, Trust, Encouragement, and Joy I sow today will not return void!  

I invite you to join me in considering how the Law of the Harvest is showing up in your life.  Are you reaping what you desire?  If not, begin sowing new seeds today!!  I testify to you that God willingly extends mercy, grace, forgiveness and great love!  I firmly believe that it is Never too late to change our crop!!   Likewise, be encouraged you as you faithfully expect a harvest knowing that God is faithful!  May we be a people on Purpose, sowing seeds with Intention, and always walking in great expectation for the good things of God!!

Thankful

"Give Thanks to the Lord"

We have had an amazing week full of Thanksgiving! We celebrated Jeff's Birthday on Wednesday at our favorite pizzeria, Grimaldi's in Chandler. The children had a great time honoring him, and included a card "Top 10 things I'm grateful for about Dad". Next, we enjoyed Thanksgiving with incredible food, football, and relaxing together! I love that each year I get more confident in preparing our meals, and therefore enjoy the day much more! And then, we topped of our weekend with Date Night! Jeff & I got to "toast" to ALL that we are grateful for with dinner for 2 last night!

As we've spent time reflecting over the past year, and all that God is doing in our lives, we are filled with joy for the journey and gratitude for the growth! I think the process of reflecting and expressing gratitude glorifies God. It is through this process of Counting our Blessings that we give Him the glory and honor for ALL that we have. In this humble place of gratitude our hearts are open and soft, such fertile ground for the Spirit to plant.

Thank you all for being a part of our journey as we grow in being blessed to be a blessing!